<div class="stories"> 
  <section class="user">
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/480/840);"></article> 
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/480/841);"></article>
  </section>
  <section class="user">
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/481/840);"></article>
  </section>
  <section class="user">
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/481/841);"></article>
  </section>
  <section class="user">
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/482/840);"></article>
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/482/843);"></article>
    <article class="story" style="--bg: url(https://picsum.photos/482/844);"></article>
  </section>
</div>